Golf Swing Stance Stabilizer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to the game of golf and golf accessories more particularly, to an alignment device for setting a player&#39;s stance. This invention relates to golf training devices, and in particular discloses a device for stabilizing a golfer&#39;s feet and stance while the golfer practices the swing. This may be accomplished while hitting a golf ball or just swinging the golf club without the golf ball being present. This invention is particularly useful in assisting the golfer while practicing to improve their swing and ball flight. This invention also allows for the training of golfers to swing in the manner, which has long been recommended for producing the best results. The present invention assists golfers in properly positioning their feet and legs so as to achieve the appropriate recommended swing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] This is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No.10/248,397 filed (Jan. 15, 2003).

[0002] A successful game of golf unmistakably requires much practice andskill. Indeed, the sport demands accuracy in both the golfer's movementsand stance on the golf course. Broadly stated, the present invention inits preferred form is a golf stance-stabilizing device having apositioning and alignment guidance strip and two foot gripping elements,means for locking and securing the feet. More specifically, the presentinvention is a golf stance-stabilizing device having each grippingdevice capable of being manually extended to a user-specified positionand subsequently selectively locked or secured. In the description thatfollows the apparatus is described for right handed and left handgolfers. Various features and advantages will appear from thedescription given herein. In the description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawing that, a specific embodiment for employing theinvention. This embodiment will be described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to use or make the invention. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structuralchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.Thereafter, when the golfer wishes to set his stance, for example duringa period of training, the golfer's feet are positioned in the grippingelements and the positioning and alignment guidance strip is adjusted tothe desired distance. In doing so, the golfer's stance is set to theproper position for the golf shot.

[0003] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages, and meet therecognized need for such a device, by providing a golf stancestabilizing device wherein accurate alignment and guidance is providedfor obtaining the proper stance position. The proper stance position,thus improves the golfer's swing.

[0004] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its quick,consistent and accurate utilization.

[0005] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its lockableguidance strips at desired extensions.

[0006] A feature and advantage of the invention is its ability to beemployed by both amateur and expert golfers with ease.

[0007] A feature and advantage of the present invention is itsportability.

[0008] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its abilityto be stored away with ease.

[0009] It is yet still another of this invention to provide a golfstance gauge, which can be used by left or right, handed golfers.

[0010] It is further object of this invention to provide a golf stancegauge, which can be used with a variety of different sizes and types ofgolf clubs.

[0011] It is another object of this invention to provide a golf stancegauge, which is safe to use and not interfere with the ball or club whenthe ball is being hit.

[0012] It is still another object of this invention to provide a golfstance gauge, which can be personally calibrated by the golfer.

[0013] It is still yet another object of this invention to provide agolf stance gauge, which is easy to assemble and use.

[0014] A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus forestablishing the proper distance between the feet and the golf ball.

[0015] Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatusincluding structure whereby proper distance between the left foot andthe right foot may be maintained.

[0016] Yet another object of this invention is to provide an apparatusthat will be capable of facilitating proper toe and heel alignment.

[0017] A still further object of this invention is to provide anapparatus, which will be capable of facilitating proper swinging of thegolfer without body sway.

[0018] A still further object of this invention is to provide anapparatus, which will be capable of facilitating use of the inventionindoor or outdoor.

[0019] A final object of this invention is to be specifically enumeratedherein is to provide a golf swing practice aid in accordance with thepreceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms ofmanufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to providea device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relativelytrouble-free in operation.

[0020] These and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionwill become more apparent to one skilled in the art of teaching andplaying the game of golf.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes at least one aleft foot gripping means and a right foot gripping means, and areengaged by an adjustable mechanism, for securing a golfer's feetparallel to each other in a given stance while the golfer practices agolf swing. There is also an anchoring mechanism used to keep the plantfoot, which is the left foot for a right handed golfer and the rightfoot for a left handed golfer, stabilized during the golf swing. Theanchor is designed for in door and out door use. The gripping means canbe slid nearer or farther away from each other and locked in theselected position to provide a variety of widths of stance. The grippingmeans further comprising at least two opposing elastic straps to beattached to one another and adjustable to the size of the golfersshoe/foot. The straps may further comprise conventional attaching meanssuch as mating Velcro, two part, snap fit buttons, or other like means.The adjusting mechanism further comprises two opposing elastic straps tobe attached to one another and adjustable to the golfer's width ofstance. The anchoring mechanism further comprises an extended elasticstrap off of the plant foot gripping means that may be attached to anindoor or outdoor surface. The device is thus useful as a trainingdevice in order to prevent the golfer from getting his feet in the wrongorientation to each other during the course of his swing. The devicealso enables the beginning golfer to start practicing the golf swingwith the feet parallel but close together, and gradually work his or herway up to a wider stance.

[0022] The basic purpose of the invention is to provide a means ofstabilizing the golfer's feet and legs while swinging the golf club. Tothat end, the invention provides: List Components A) A positioning andalignment device; used to adjust the width of the right and left footgripping elements B) A left foot gripping element; used to secure theleft foot to the positioning and alignment device C) A right footgripping element; used to secure the right foot to the positioning andalignment device D) An anchoring mechanism for the plant foot of thegolf swing; used to attach the plant foot to the ground (in door or outdoor)A preferred arrangement for the gripping means is to have each ofthe elastic straps comprising adjustable complementary mechanicallyadhesive strips sewn to the adjusting mechanism in order to securerapidly a variety of sizes of golfer's shoes.

[0023] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a means ofallowing the golfer to advance his practicing of his swing from a narrowstance to a wide stance. One of the most common errors of a beginninggolfer is twisting his feet on the ground during the course of hisswinging of a golf club. It is usually easier for a golfer to maintainthroughout his swing the correct parallel orientation of his feet whenthey are close together. After the golfer has mastered this continuingorientation in a narrow stance with the aid the foot gripping means ofthe device of this invention, the golfer can readily progress topracticing the golf swing while keeping the feet parallel while in awider stance. The wider stance is eventually desirable to provide asolid framework from which to swing the club and connect with greatpower to the ball.

[0024] The invention provides golfer stance width position range from abeginning golfer's narrow stance, to an advanced golfer's correctstance.

[0025] When the golfer's feet are secure, the legs will naturally tendto also remain in the correct position for the proper golf stance. Byobtaining the proper stance, the golfer shifts emphasis to the shouldersand arms to achieve an error free golf swing. Practice with the presentinvention will assist the golfer in learning the correct position of hisbody, and in maintaining balance in this position, throughout the golfswing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention will be better understood by reading thedetailed description of the Preferred Embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf swing stance stabilizerprior to use on a golfers shoe/feet.

[0028]FIG. 2 is a 3 dimensional view of the golf swing stance stabilizeras placed on a golfers shoe/feet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention,as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, simple terminology is employed for thesake of clarity. The invention is not to be limited to the simpleterminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specificelement includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similarmanner to accomplish similar functions.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1 the present invention in its preferredembodiment is a golf stance stabilizer 17.

[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stabilizer 17 includes aplant foot gripping element that is further comprised of elements 1-8,16, 15, and 18. The stabilizer also comprises a second or non-plant footgripping element. The non-plant foot gripping element is furthercomprised of elements 9-14.

[0032] The plant foot gripping element comprises anchor means 1, 2, and18 that are incorporated within the plant foot gripping means base strap7. Anchor means 1 is an indoor anchor means that allows a golfer toattach the stabilizer to artificial grass or turf that is commonly usedin the construction of an indoor golfing facility. The indoor anchormeans may be Velcro® or any other conventional means. For outdoor usage,the base strap 7 further comprises outdoor anchor means 2 and 18 thatmay be in the form of eyelets (holes). To further ensure or reinforcethat the anchorage is proper the eyelet may be circumscribed with ametal. The eyelets allow for a golfer to insert golf tees through theeyelets and into the outdoor surface (driving range, practice green,golf course, or the like). The plant foot gripping element furthercomprises a first plant foot strap 3 and a second plant foot strap 5each being attached to the plant foot base strap 7 by conventionalstitching 16 and 15, respectively. The first plant foot strap 3 includesan attaching means 4 that is used to attach the first strap 3 to thesecond plant foot strap 5 by being securely engaged with the attachingmeans 6 of plant foot strap 5. The first and second plant foot straps 3,5 allow a golfer to secure his/her plant foot within the plant footgripping element as seen in FIG. 2.

[0033] The non-plant foot gripping element further comprises a firstnon-plant foot strap 10 attached to the non-plant foot base strap 13 byconventional stitching 14. The non-plant foot gripping element may alsoinclude a first and second strap attached to abase strap. However, asseen in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the base strap 13 of the non-plantfoot gripping element is also the equivalent of the second strap of theplant foot gripping element. The first non-plant foot strap 10 includesan attaching means 11 that is used to attach the first strap 10 to thenon-plant foot base strap 13 by being securely engaged with theattaching means 12 of the non-plant foot base strap 13. The firstnon-plant foot strap 10 and base strap 13 allows a golfer to securehis/her non-plant foot within the non-plant foot gripping element asseen in FIG. 2.

[0034] As seen the figures, the plant foot gripping element and thenon-plant foot gripping element make up the entire stabilizing devicewhen both components are attached to one another by mating attachingmeans 8 and 9, respectively. The attaching means 8 and 9 of the basestraps 7 and 13 comprise the adjusting mechanism used to establish thedesired width between the plant foot gripping element and the non-plantfoot gripping element.

[0035] When in use, the stabilizer may be employed as illustrated inFIG. 2. The golfer first selects the desired golf shot he wishes toexecute. With the golf shot selected, the golfer places his plant footin the unattached plant foot gripping means and secures his foot thereinby attaching means 4 and 6 of straps 3 and 5, respectively. Next, thegolfer places his non-plant foot in the unattached non-plant footgripping means and secures his foot therein by attaching means 11 and 12of straps 10 and 13, respectively. The golfer then determines theappropriate stance required or desired to complete the shot. Inparticular, the golfer selects the width between his plant foot andnon-plant foot. As such the golfer secures the plant foot gripping meansto the surface by using the appropriate indoor or outdoor anchor means.With the plant foot gripping means secured the golfer adjusts or ensureshis non-plant foot is in the correct position and selected width andthen attaches the two gripping element together by attaching means 8 and9. The golfer may then execute the golf shot or practice swing with astabilized stance.

[0036] The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best definedby the appended claims. In order to use the golf stance device of thepresent invention, the golfer determines his or her proper stance for aparticular golf shot in any conventional fashion, such as on a drivingrange or indoor facility.

[0037] Having described the invention, however, many modificationsthereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which itpertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as definedby the scope of the appended claims. For example, for economicfeasibility the straps herein are manufactured from a fabric; however,the straps may be also manufactured from other materials such asplastics, polymers, or other synthetics.

1. A golf stance stabilizing apparatus for executing a golf shot, theapparatus comprising a plant foot gripping element including means forsecuring a plant foot, a non-plant foot gripping element including meansfor securing a non-plant foot, at least one anchor means for securingsaid plant foot gripping element to a surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distancebetween said plant foot gripping element and non-plant foot grippingelement.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 where in said adjustment means iscomprised of two opposing attaching means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said at least one anchor means is an indoor anchor means.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein said indoor anchor means is in the form ofa fabric that will stick to piece of corresponding fabric on saidsurface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one anchormeans an outdoor anchor means.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein saidoutdoor anchor means is an eyelet.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinsaid eyelet is reinforced by piece circumscribing metal.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one indoor anchor meansand at least one outdoor anchor means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said means for securing a plant foot is in the form of twoopposing straps releasable attachable to each other.
 11. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said means for securing a non-plant foot is in theform of two opposing straps releasable attachable to each other.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the two opposing straps arereleasable attached to each other by buttons or fabric.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said plant foot gripping element furthercomprises a base strap.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidnon-plant foot gripping element further comprises a base strap.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12 wherein two opposing straps releasable attachableto each other are further attached to said base strap.
 16. The apparatusof claim wherein said means for securing a non-plant foot is in the formof a base strap and an opposing strap being releasable attachable toeach other, wherein said opposing strap is attached to said base strap.17. A method of executing or practicing a golf shot, the methodcomprising the steps of providing a golf stance stabilizing apparatuscomprising an unattached plant foot gripping element including means forsecuring a plant foot, an unattached non-plant foot gripping elementincluding means for securing a non-plant foot, at least one anchor meansfor securing said plant foot gripping element to a surface, selecting agolf shot, placing a plant foot in said unattached plant foot grippingmeans and securing said plant foot therein, placing a non-plant foot insaid unattached non-plant foot gripping means and securing said nonplant foot therein, determining an appropriate stance or width betweensaid plant foot and said non-plant foot, securing said plant footgripping means to the surface via said anchor means, adjusting saidnon-plant foot to said width, attaching said gripping elements together,and executing the golf shot.